Blair Clan – Week 10, Summer Term 2022
So ends what has been a manic first term of 2022. COVID-19 has presented an ever changing landscape for the boys, staff and for you as parents, it has been a challenge for all of us. I would firstly like to thank Mrs Pam Seaby, who has been at the forefront of this challenging term, and the Health Centre staff led by Mrs Fiona Richmond. They have been absolute rocks for myself, and for your sons.
The measures we as a boarding community have been able to put in place to limit the possible spread of COVID-19 and the impact of rules around close contacts (and household close contacts) inside our boarding house seem to have gone ok. While mask wearing was initially good, it clearly slipped as the term went on, and some boys unfortunately have not been able to follow boarding rules around NOT being in each other’s rooms. All we ask if for your sons to be diligent, follow the rules of both the government (we understand that they are not ideal, but they are the rules) and of boarding to limit the impact to boys, staff, families that live on site, you as parents and your Perth based guardians. One of my favourite phrases has been used often the last four weeks…. “Be Better”.
Even after all that I am amazed at the resilience and youthful positive outlook on life that so many boys have shown this term.
Boys across all years (predominantly it has been the year 9 and 10’s) have been in and out of the house with COVID-19, illness and as close contacts and it has made for a hectic end to term. The last few days boys spent time packing and moving rooms, with those that left early set to move into their new rooms on the first day back next term.
Here’s what your sons have been up to in boarding:
Year 9
- Boys participated in the NAPLAN Online trial testing on Thursday 24th March, this was across the state.
- Year 9 Parent Information Evening was held on Tuesday 15th February, a recording of the video is available if you were unable to view it https://clickv.ie/w/25Ds
- The Year 9 boys enjoyed an Outdoor Education Program on the final day of term.
- Boys enjoyed Recreation activities:
- Gym Games & Swimming Pool in the Scotch Gym on Friday 11th, 18th, 25th March & 1st April
- Sculptures by the Sea at Cottesloe Beach on Saturday 12th March
- Driving Range at Wembley Golf Course on Saturday 12th March & 2nd April
- Beach Run at Cottesloe Beach on Saturday 19th March
- Bounce on Sunday 20th March
- Beach Run on Sunday 20th, 27th March & 3rd April
- Driving Range at Wembley Golf Course on Friday 25th March
- Bubble Soccer on Scotch Ovals on Sunday 27th March
Year 10
- The end of the first semester for year 10 has seen many activities in preparation for all important course selections for year 11.
- Pathways Information
- The Pathways & Careers Information Presentation was held on Monday 14th march if you missed it there is a recording available https://home.scotch.wa.edu.au/courses/pathway/year10/pathway-and-careers-information/pathway-information/
- The Online Parent Forum for Pathways Information was held on Monday 21st March, if you missed it there is a recording available https://online.clickview.com.au/share?sharecode=1ef494aa
- more informationhttps://home.scotch.wa.edu.au/courses/pathway/year10/pathway-and-careers-information/
- Academic Testing was held the last day of Autumn Term.
- Week 2 of Autumn term will be “Pathway” week where they hear about all the courses available to them.
- Subject Selections for year 11 2023 will be due 18 May 2022.
- Pathways Information
- Boys enjoyed Recreation activities:
- Gym Games & Swimming Pool in the Scotch Gym on Friday 11th, 18th, 25th March & 1st April
- Sculptures by the Sea at Cottesloe Beach on Saturday 12th March
- Golf at Cottesloe Golf Club on Saturday 12th, 19th, 26th March & 2nd April
- Driving Range at Wembley Golf Course on Saturday 12th March & 2nd April
- Beach Run at Cottesloe Beach on Saturday 19th March
- Bounce on Sunday 20th March
- Beach Run on Sunday 20th, 27th March & 3rd April
- Driving Range at Wembley Golf Course on Friday 25th March
- Bubble Soccer on Scotch Ovals on Sunday 27th March
- The boys were unable to continue with their second module of their “Tomorrow Man” program, with so many boys out of the house when the module was due to be run, we have decided to postpone it.
- The Wandel Family, Oli with mum and dad (Jane & Scott) had the following story published in “Farm Weekly” dated 17th February 2022. https://www.scotch.wa.edu.au/articles/the-wandel-story
Year 11
- Boys are closing in on their first semester of year 11 exams. Year 11 Parent Teacher Student Interviews have occupied boys for the last day and a half of term.
- Boys enjoyed the following Recreation activities:
- Gym Games & Swimming Pool in the Scotch Gym on Friday 11th, 18th, 25th March & 1st April
- Golf at Cottesloe Golf Club on Saturday 12th, 19th, 26th March & 2nd April
- Driving Range at Wembley Golf Course on Saturday 12th March & 2nd April
- Beach Run at Cottesloe Beach on Saturday 19th March
- Beach Run on Sunday 20th, 27th March & 3rd April
- Driving Range at Wembley Golf Course on Friday 25th March
- The boys were unable to continue with module 8 of their “Tomorrow Man” program, unfortunately our presenter Rhett contracted COVID-19 the day before the module. It will be completed later this year.
Year 12
- Boys are closing in on their last set of first semester exams. They will soon have only 19 weeks of school left. The Alternative Academic Pathway boys will sit their EST’s for their courses during the examination break. Year 12 Parent Teacher Student Interviews have occupied boys for the last day and a half of term.
- Boys enjoyed Recreation activities:
- Gym Games & Swimming Pool in the Scotch Gym on Friday 11th, 18th, 25th March & 1st April
- Golf at Cottesloe Golf Club on Saturday 12th, 19th, 26th March & 2nd April
- Driving Range at Wembley Golf Course on Saturday 12th March & 2nd April
- Beach Run at Cottesloe Beach on Saturday 19th March
- Beach Run on Sunday 20th, 27th March & 3rd April
- Buddy Up Golf Tournament with the Year 7’s at Lake Claremont Golf Course on Sunday 20th March
- Driving Range at Wembley Golf Course on Friday 25th March
- Well done to the year 12 cohort for their support of the World’s Greatest Shave! Wednesday 23rd march saw many hair lengths return to an acceptable level, but more importantly raised $89,605.18 towards the Leukemia Foundation.
PSA Sport
- The PSA Summer Sport season ended, with Scotch winning the Corr Cup for Tennis. Congratulations to:
- Jaezari Wynne a part of the 1st V Basketball team, the team finished in equal 4th place with 5 wins and 7 losses.
- Jensen Westerman a part of the 1st VI Volleyball team, the team finished in 5th place with a 3 win and 9 loss record.
- Tyler Messina, Oscar Rogers and Kody Waters, who were members of the 2nd VII for Tennis. A strong second’s team is really important to provide depth to 1st’s teams and their commitment to their team is a contributing factor to the 1st VIII wining the Corr cup.
Clash of the Clans
Unfortunately COVID-19 put a bit of a halt onto our Clash of Clans events. Watch this space as the year unfolds.
Other News
Year 11/12 Examination Break Autumn Term
There are No classes for Year 11-12 Students during weeks two and three next term. The boarding house is staffed during the day to allow ATAR & IB students to study in their rooms to a set schedule. Any students with Exams or EST’s (Year 12 AAP) must attend these at school. AAP students will have a work placement commitment to fulfil (please see email from Ms Meg Baker).
Easter Spread
The catering staff made sure the boys new easter wasn’t far away with a special Easter Dessert Spread during the last week of term.
Blair Clan Teams Meeting
I hosted two parent meetings, one for parents of year 9 boys and one for parents of all boys in the clan. Both were well attended. It’s great to see faces, touch bases, but I think also good for parents to see each other and match boys with their parents!
I’d like to wish you all a happy and safe easter and an enjoyable April Holidays! Cherish the time spent with family and loved ones!
Dates
The College has provided Year specific events sheets via the App, these were released on the 25th March, if you did not receive one, links can be found here:
Autumn Term
Tuesday 26th April – Boarders Return
Wednesday 27th April – First Day of Autumn Term
Friday 3rd June to Monday 6th June – Boarders Long Weekend
Friday 10th June – Ag Day
Friday 1st July – Last Day of Autumn Term
Thanks
Andy